Volkswagen T-Cross due on sale in 2018 with Polo engines

T-Cross name will make production, like the T-Roc and will get an R-Line spec, too

The T-Cross has been spotted testing ahead of an expected launch during the second half of 2018, in warm R-Line spec akin to that of its larger sibling, the Tiguan

It’s expected to keep the T-Cross name for production, being the same size as the T-Cross Breeze concept, which was revealed at last year’s Geneva motor show

The T-Roc kept its concept precursor’s name, so the T-Cross is likely to as well

The production version is likely to wear a full-width grille, side window graphics and wider wheel arches to give Volkswagen’s new compact SUV a more distinctive, rugged image that's similar to that of the T-Roc

Testing at the Nürburgring, the model had 20in R-Line alloys – unusual for a car of this class but suggests that the model will follow the spec structure of the Tiguan, with sporty R-Line models at the top of the range

What’s not known is whether the model will get an R variant, as per the upcoming T-Roc R, but the two do share numerous styling cues

What we do know is that the car will share underpinnings with the Seat Arona; specifically VW Group’s new MQB A0 platform that the former will use.

It’s likely that we won’t see the T-Cross in full until the second half of next year

The production version is likely to wear a full-width grille, side window graphics and wider wheel arches to give the compact SUV a more distinctive, rugged image similar to the T-Roc and even larger Tiguan.

It will be based on the Volkswagen Group's new MQB A0 underpinnings, which form the base for the other compact SUVs such as the Seat Arona and hatchbacks including the new Polo.

Technical links with the Polo mean the T-Cross is likely to inherit several of that car’s engines.

The T-Cross Breeze concept offers an insight into what to expect. That car used a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, with 110bhp and 129lb ft powering the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It’s thought that this entry-level unit will be joined by two turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the production car.

The concept was claimed to be capable of reaching 62mph in 10.3sec and a top speed of 117mph, while offering 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 115g/km. A similarly economy-focused performance can be expected from the production car’s powertrain line-up. A hotter range-topper could counter that, but it's not yet known if a red-blooded performance model will be launched.

Volkswagen is understood to be developing a T-Roc R with around 300bhp, but there's no word as to whether the smaller T-Cross will get a hot variant. Although the hardware from the new Polo GTI would likely fit the T-Cross, Volkswagen has recently stated that the GTI moniker is reserved exclusively for its hot hatchbacks, ruling out the chances of a T-Cross GTI.

The latest sighting of a T-Cross was in Scandanavia during winter testing. Earlier in the year, Volkswagen took a T-Cross R-Line to the Nürburgring wearing 20in wheels, showing that sporty design will be offered with higher trim levels.

The T-Cross and recently launched T-Roc join the Tiguan and soon-to-be-replaced Touaregin Volkswagen's fast-expanding SUV range. A Volkswagen UK spokesman said growing the SUV line-up was key to securing funding for the brand's investment in electrification.

In total, Volkswagen plans to launch 19 SUVs by 2020. The T-Roc was the first, but not all of its new siblings will reach Europe. The Atlas, for example, is focused on the North American and Chinese markets.

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Confused as to where this sits in the line up, is this smaller than the T-Roc? Article doesn't make it clear. So will the hierarchy be T-Cross [based on Polo], T-Roc [based on Golf], Tiguan and Touareg with the possible inclusion of the Atlas? 20in wheels seems big for a Polo class car

Confused as to where this sits in the line up, is this smaller than the T-Roc? Article doesn't make it clear. So will the hierarchy be T-Cross [based on Polo], T-Roc [based on Golf], Tiguan and Touareg with the possible inclusion of the Atlas? 20in wheels seems big for a Polo class car

I am with you, what the he'll is it supposed to be? I thought the T Roc was the Polo one?